CNN PRODUCER NOTEmediaman photographed President Obama at a rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on November 3. He says President Obama's comments about veterans and teachers stood out to him.
'He moved me with his words about helping our teachers, "that teacher in an overcrowded classroom with outdated schoolbooks, digging in her own pocket to buy school supplies, but never giving up hope that she can change the lives of some child in her class... she needs a champion," really resonated with me,' he said.
He also had the chance to photograph pop star Katy Perry, who was performing at President Obama's rally. He describes her performance as supercharged. 'I listen to Katy on my iPod when I run,' he said. 'Seeing her in person impressed me even more. Even if I'm middle aged, I'm still young at heart.'
- Jareen, CNN iReport producer

With mere days remaining until the Presidential election on November 6th, President Obama and challenger Governor Mitt Romney are finishing up a whirlwind tour of important swing states. In Milwaukee, President Obama took the stage with Katy Perry to ignite some political “fireworks” to mobilize the Democratic base to “get the vote out.” Also appearing included outgoing Senator Herb Kohl, senatorial hopeful, Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin [D], who is campaigning against former Governor Tommy Thompson [R] for state senate. Also speaking were Milwaukee Tom Barrett and Congresswoman Gwen Moore. The event drew a crowd of 20,000 attendees and was held at the Delta Center in downtown Milwaukee.

Katy Perry performed a series of her top hits and encouraged voters to vote in the upcoming election. The crowd was loud and highly energized. Perry’s free concert was followed by the President Obama’s speech. He took the stage, waved to the crowd and flashed his famous smile. As he began talking he acknowledged his strained voice from the hectic speaking tour over the past days. His demeanor was relaxed, confident, calm and at times extremely passionate during his speech. President Obama covered his main campaign talking points including jobs, education, Medicare, balanced budget cuts, equal taxes, equal pay, and access to health care.

Additionally on health care, the President said there is a need to ensure.... “health care choices for women are controlled by women, as opposed to (being) controlled by politicians in Washington.”

He went on to redefine his “change” theme the President used in his first term campaign. Obama commented, “We know what change looks like, and what Gov. Romney is offering ain’t it.”

Obama continued saying, “Giving more power to the world’s biggest banks…that’s not change. Another $5 million tax cut to the wealthiest Americans. That’s not change. Refusing to answer details about your policies until after the election, that’s definitely not change. We’ve heard that from politicians before.”

Throughout the speech, the President personalized his platform and his challenges. “Now Wisconsin, after four years as President you know me….. you’ve watch me age before your eyes. You may not agree with every decision I’ve made. Sometimes you may have been frustrated with the pace of change, but you know where I stand. You know what I believe. You know what I mean when I say, and I say what I mean. You know I tell the truth.” The crowd erupted with loud approval.

President Obama spoke of how his four year term has affected him, and the audience. “I know what real change looks like, because I fought for it…and so have you. I’ve got the scars to prove it. After all we’ve been through we can’t give up now. We need to keep on going…..cause we have more change to bring about.”

During his speech, Obama focused point by point on his accomplishments during this presidency. Several areas which drew loud applause were comments about jobs, veterans and education. The President said, “Let’s use our veterans. Let’s make sure they have jobs….because when you fought for our freedom, you shouldn’t have to fight for a job when you come home. That’s my plan to keep us strong. That is my commitment. And that’s what at stake in this election.”

On education, Obama’s comments about teachers and the need for “champions” drew some of the largest outbursts of applause. The President added, “…..that teacher in an overcrowded classroom with outdated schoolbooks digging in her own pocket to buy school supplies, but never giving up hope, that she can change lives of some child in his her class….she needs a champion.” As the President made his final case to the audience, his voice passionately grew louder and the applause grew louder in unison. He said, “All those kids in inner cities , and small farm towns, in the rolling hills of Virginia, or the valleys of Ohio, or right here in Milwaukee, kids dreaming of becoming scientists doctors, engineers, or entrepreneurs , diplomats, maybe a president, they need a champion , because the future will never have lobbyist like the status quo does, but those dreams of those kids will be our saving grace, that’s what we’re fighting for, that’s what this election is about, that’s why I need ya, that’s why I need you Wisconsin. To make sure their voices are heard. We have come too far to turn back now. We’ve come too far to let our hearts grow weary. To let our hearts grow faint. Now’s the time to keep pushing forward!”

President Obama stressed, “No matter where you come from, no matter how you started out. No matter what you look like, no matter who you love, no matter what your last name is, here in America you can make it if you try. In rousing conclusion the roar of the audience continued to grow. Obama spoke, “That’s what we are fighting for in Wisconsin. That’s why I’m asking for your vote. And if you’re willing to work with me, and knock on doors, why me, and make some calls with me, and turn out with me, and grab your friends and neighbors, your co-workers, and get them to the polls for me, we’ll win Wisconsin, we’ll win this election, we’ll renew the bounds that tie us together, and reaffirm the spirit that makes the United States of America, the greatest nation on earth. God Bless you. God bless the United States of America.”

As the audience again erupted in applause and cheers, music from Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, and Delivered” blared throughout the auditorium. In an insightful fleeting moment, President Obama waved, smiled, and lighted mouthed the song’s lyrics. He knows his base, showcased a cool and calm persona, showed his passion, and knows his music. On this stage in Milwaukee the crowd seemed to indicate Obama will secure his second term as President. Now he waits to see how the rest of the country responds. The President turned and waived to the audience as he walked off the stage. It’s now the U.S. voting electorate turn to take the stage.

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